VNIT, Persistent pactfor skill upgradation

NAGPUR: Persistent Systems Ltd, a software company having major operations in Nagpur, and Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide certification and multi-skill programmes for students and help the college align its curriculum with what information technology (IT) industry needs. The MoU was signed by Anand Deshpande, CEO of Persistent Systems, and S S Gokhale, Director, VNIT.
Speaking at the event, Gokhale said, "the relationship with the IT company is a milestone in our programme to provide industry-oriented courseware, technology and facilities for our students. Moreover, the Persistent campus visits will give our students a first-hand feel of the industry. The IT firm is opening new opportunities for our students, and we will benefit greatly from this."
Desphande said, "the objective of MoU is to promote effective learning practices that enable students to develop state-of-the-industry skills. Through our Campus Reach initiative, Persistent is committed to improving students' employability and productivity in the global knowledge-based economy." The purpose of this MoU is to develop and expand a framework of cooperation and joint operations between Persistent Systems Limited and VNIT, Nagpur, he added.
The MoU is being considered an important step forward in Nagpur's growth. This kind of bonding between industry and educational institution will help meet future needs of trained manpower, experts say.
Gokhale said that the institution had successfully implemented the first phase of the World Bank assisted technical education quality--ased programme which emphasised on infrastructure improvement. He said the VNIT would implement the second phase from April 2010 that would focus on research projects.
Deshpande said that Persistent's Nagpur branch had the capacity to induct 1500 engineers. It had a staff strength of 400 at present. "Soon, we are planning to fill remaining posts," he said.